The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Finance to support innovation and entrepreneurship, has announced a new partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF). The partnership aims to create more opportunities for high-growth startups and strengthen collaboration across the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
The partnership will make it easier for innovative companies to access investor networks, specialized expertise, and relevant support programs, helping them develop their businesses and move into their next stages of growth.
New Funding Opportunities for Startups in the UAE
Under the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties, the partnership will establish a mutual referral mechanism. Members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund will undergo an evaluation process to identify eligible companies that can be connected with the Dubai Future District Fund’s network of fund managers.
This arrangement could provide qualified startups with new opportunities to connect with institutional investors and potentially secure funding to support their next stage of growth and expansion.
In return, eligible companies within the Dubai Future District Fund’s portfolio will be referred to the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, where they can benefit from relevant programs, support tools, and federal support channels.
Referrals to the Dubai Future District Fund or its network of fund managers do not constitute an investment commitment by the fund or any of the fund managers within its portfolio.
Strengthening the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the UAE’s startup and innovation ecosystem by helping high-potential companies connect with the networks, expertise, and opportunities that meet their needs.
The agreement also aligns with the broader objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which seek to enhance competitiveness, promote innovation, and support sustainable economic growth.
Closer cooperation between federal and local institutions will help establish a more connected environment in which innovative companies can access relevant support and pursue opportunities for growth.
Joint Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Economic Growth
Fatima Yousef Al Naqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry’s representative at the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening cooperation among government entities, investors, and entrepreneurs.
She said: “The UAE has laid strong foundations for innovation by bringing government entities, the industrial sector, investors, and entrepreneurs together around a shared ambition to achieve sustainable economic growth. This partnership reflects the role of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund in strengthening these connections and contributing to the development of a more integrated national innovation ecosystem. Closer cooperation between federal and local institutions will help create an environment that enables innovative companies to develop, expand, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic priorities.”
Facilitating Entrepreneurs’ Access to Investors
Nader Al Bastaki, Executive Director of the Dubai Future District Fund, highlighted the partnership’s role in providing entrepreneurs with a more connected support ecosystem and facilitating access to investors and support programs at both the federal and Dubai levels.
He said: “This partnership allows entrepreneurs to benefit from a more connected support ecosystem rather than dealing separately with federal support entities and those operating at the Dubai level. Through this partnership, companies that are members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund can access our network of fund managers and connect with investors who can support their next stage of growth. In return, companies within our portfolio will benefit from the support tools offered by the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund. In this way, the partnership shortens the path for companies to access the right support more easily and effectively.”
